Jen
Your dog getting all over licking you might seem like a habit out of excitement and love. But have you wondered how risky that could be?
The human mouth harbors about 600 microbe species, some of which are harmful and the precursors for tooth decay and gum disease.
So, are dog’s mouths cleaner than humans’? And is it safe to let your dog lick you? We answer these questions in this article. Continue reading to learn more.
How Clean Are Dogs’ Mouths?
Contrary to popular belief, dog mouths aren’t cleaner than humans. Harvard research has discovered about 615 microbes in dog mouths, slightly more than in humans.
However, these microbes comprise the good and the bad, with the latter being harmful and the reason for dogs’ dental illnesses. However, less clean dog saliva is, they don’t necessarily mean harm to humans.
Is It Safe To Allow Your Dog To Lick You?
Most pet owners find letting their dogs lick and kiss them cringe and unhygienic. Some do enjoy this unique display of affection from their furry friends.
But should you be okay letting your dog paper you with salivary kisses? The answer is yes and no.
Let’s start with the “yes.” Despite being unclean regarding dental cavity microbe populations, dog saliva isn’t toxic to humans.
But there’s one huge exception—dogs that stick to cooked doggy foods aren’t a threat to human health. That’s because their foods may not contain harmful microbes like salmonella.
And “No,” letting your dog lick you isn’t always safe if they take raw foods, primarily meat, as they pose a more significant threat or pass on harmful microbes.
Whether or not letting your dog kiss or lick you is okay is rather subjective. Preferential, to be precise.
If you like your dog licking you and it doesn’t bother you, why wouldn’t you let them? It’s their unique way of displaying their affection for you, after all.
If it bothers you, please stick to letting them make excited tail wags, subtle barks, and pounces.
How to Ensure Proper Dog Dental Hygiene
We’ve debunked the mystery, and it’s clear that dog mouths aren’t as straightforward as humans’.
So, what dental hygiene practices can you employ to ensure your pups’ mouths remain clean and disease-free? Here are a few essential tips to consider.
Regular Brushing
Dogs need their teeth brushed even though they might not say that aloud. Like humans, remnants from their food form the perfect media and create ideal microbe buildup.
If the microorganisms don’t help their dental health, they certainly will harm it if you don’t make brushing a routine.
Use Dental Wipes and Water Additives
If brushing your dog’s teeth feels like a chore, dental wipes and water additives can present a more effortless way of cleaning.
Besides, they’re as effective and allow you some hands-free dental care routines.
Frequent Dental Checkups
Dog dental health vastly impacts their general health and well-being. If your dog loses a tooth due to pure dental care, they won’t chew their food well.
If a dental cavity becomes painful and nagging, their toys will stay untouched. Pretty sure they won’t be cheerful and playful.
Regular dental checkups go a long way in ensuring their mouths are clean and in ideal health condition.
Conclusion
Dogs’ mouths aren’t cleaner than humans since their microbe populations are marginally higher.
However, you can always ensure their mouths are clean by regularly cleaning their teeth and avoiding feeding them raw food that may populate their mouths with harmful microbes. Your dog’s dental should be your priority to guarantee good health.
